Goals for ROW80 Round One

Do you know what I did in the first few days of 2014?

Hopefully curiosity pulled you through to the next sentence... I sent Chasing Shadows (Tala Prophecy, Book 2) to my editor and a few beta readers. *squeals while dancing*

This excitement leads me to announcing my goals for Round One of A Round of Words in 80 Days (ROW80). For those who don't know about ROW80, it's the writing challenge that knows you have a life. To that end, participants set realistic goals and continually re-examine and adjust them in response to Life's machinations.

Round One Goals

* While waiting for beta comments and edits, I am going to write Chasing Forgiveness (Tala Prophecy, Book 2.5), a novella based on a character in Chasing Shadows. Hoping to join some #ROW80 wordsprints (2pm EST) for inspiration.

* Publish website.

* Put Depression Cookies on Smashwords (I'm embarrassed that I haven't done this yet).

* Increase my social media presence. The last quarter of 2013 left me struggling to find time to visit and comment on blogs and participate on Facebook and Twitter. Some of it was a lack of time, but a huge part was burnout. I hope to find a nice social media balance in 2014.

* Reach a minimum of 10,000 steps a day. I need to have an exercise goal. Since my husband got a Fit Bit for Christmas, I am making sure he and I achieve this minimum daily. I also plan to recommit to running and some Jillian Michaels tapes.

* A goal for the year: I heard about this challenge where you write a handwritten letter a week to someone who's important to you. I'm in (thanks for sharing the idea, Beth!). 

Wishing everyone good luck with their new goals! 

In the Words of Nelson Mandela: ROW80

So many great thoughts were expressed by Nelson Mandela, may he rest in peace. The world shines a little less brightly with him gone.

Source

Over the last few days, many have shared his words and beliefs. I would like to share some that have inspired me...

I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.

 

There is no passion to be found playing small—in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living.

 

It always seems impossible until it’s done.

These quotes speak to me on so many levels. As a writer, they remind me to triumph over insecurity, believe in myself, and never give up.

This time of year, it's easy to get caught up in the to do list and be overwhelmed. I've been feeling a bit "Bah, Humbug!" lately, and I'm determined to shake it. What better way than to focus on my December A Round of Words in 80 Days (ROW80) goals.

My progress

- Editing a great new zombie book. Confession: This is my first zombie book. But my main criteria for any book = good writing. This one is amazing!

- Polishing Chasing Memories 2. Slow progress here. I needed to step back over a little plot hole. It's small. Editing is clearing my brain. Plus, the missing title is confounding me. Which leads me to...
   

I'm struggling with a title for my sequel. I want to stay with the running theme and two-word title.

Please share your thoughts on (or choose a favorite)...

Chasing Shadows
Chasing Fire
Chasing Gifts
Chasing Strength
Chasing Ancestry
Chasing Answers

In this sequel, Reagan is coming to terms with her new life and abilities. She's confused, but determined. I'm saving Chasing Destiny for Book 3.

Thanks in advance for your help, and may the words of Nelson Mandela inspire us all to be the best we can be.

ROW 80 Check In: Words Define Me

As part of the A Round of Words in 80 Days challenge, we check in with fellow challenge writers on Wednesdays and Sundays to access our goals and give each other encouragement. Today is my first check in post since starting (I started one day late).

A brief overview of my goals:

- 750 words six days a week on my WIP (the sequel to Depression Cookies)

- Blog 4-5 days a week on Depression Cookies and review 3 books a month on my other blog, Mom in Love with Fiction

- Read two books on writing (in the 80 days)

How I did this week:

Wednesday, July 6
Results: 881 words and a blog post on this blog
Reaction: Fist pump!! I exceeded my WIP goals and posted on my main blog.

Thursday, July 7
Results: 789 words and a guest blog post on this blog
Reaction: Still excited, surpassed my 750 word goal. Posted on this blog, but it was a guest post. And a good one at that.

Friday, July 8
Results: 410 words and a post on this blog
Reaction: Frustrated. I sat and stared at a blank page. I had a limited amount of time to devote to writing, and it wouldn't flow. With so much momentum coming into Friday, I was discouraged with this word total. I did blog that day.

Saturday, July 9
Results: 763 words and a post on this blog
Reaction: Back on track. Whew.
Bonus: Did my first Tagxedo on the post. Loved how it turned out and will use this application again when I can't find a relevant picture.

Overall, I'm very pleased with my progress during the first week of the ROW80 challenge. I needed to make writing the sequel a priority, and I'm happy with 2,843 words in four days. I hope the frustrating days are few and far between, but I know it's all part of the process.

I am happy to be keeping up with my posts, but I'm motivated thanks to the Ultimate Blog Challenge. I'll be interested to see how I do once that challenge is over and I'm knee-deep into the sequel story.

I am reading two books, which I rarely do, and hope to have two reviews up in the next week or so. This will keep me on track for my 3 book review goal per month.

I'd love to hear how others are feeling about their goals, whether part of a challenge or personal goals. Is it encouragement or pressure to have a goal like 750 words a day staring you in the face?